Meet the Team
Introducing our resident trainers in Columbus, Ohio who specialize in teaching the art of positive reinforcement training. Through private in-home training lessons, our team is equipped to teach you and your pet(s) the skills needed to thrive in a variety of environments.
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Katie Stevens
Hi, I’m Katie. I've always felt a deep connection to animals and the outdoors, with many of my fondest memories involving them—from helping with cows, horses, cats, and dogs on my grandmother’s farm as a child to exploring zoos and aquariums and learning about diverse animal care careers. My passion led me to over 12 years of experience in animal care and training, and I still find joy in discovering new ways to connect with wildlife.
BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT & ANIMAL TRAINER
I began my career as a seasonal Animal Care Specialist at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where I received foundational training education. This initial experience propelled me to a full-time position at the Dallas Zoo’s wildlife show. I could build on my skills and truly thrive. Desiring to be closer to family, I returned to the Columbus Zoo, joining the Wild Encounters department part-time before eventually securing a full-time role. This journey has allowed me to achieve numerous career and life milestones that I deeply cherish.
In my many years as a zookeeper and professional animal trainer, I have been able to learn from some of the best trainers and behavior scientists in the country. I have also presented and won an award from the Animal Behavior Management Alliance for “Sharing the Knowledge” in 2018, received certification from Dr. Susan Friedman’s Living and Learning with Animals course, and was even a guest on the training podcast “Animal Behavior Conversations.” Watching animals and humans learn to communicate through training and helping with that process will never stop inspiring me. And while I love to train animals, I also truly love to teach humans how to train animals. In the last four years I have had the privilege of sitting on the training committee of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and was the Vice-Chair of the committee. In this role I helped teach animal care professionals about the art and science of training. I also designed and taught an introduction to training course, led workshops, and shared knowledge about training during lunch and learn brown bag presentations.
Some of my proudest training moments involve the most unexpected animals like alligators, birds, donkeys, and then, not so unexpectedly, my dogs at home. The science is the same, regardless of the species. An alligator can learn to crate and station, a donkey can learn a voluntary hoof trim, and birds can choose to fly to you instead of into a tree.
Watching animals grow and become more confident as they learn new skills is something I will never get tired of. I can’t wait to help you and your creatures on your journey as well!
Emily Yunker
Hi! I’m Emily Yunker. I’ve been a mainstay of the Columbus, OH animal behavior scene since I was in high school. I’ve always been fascinated by wildlife and what motivates them to do what they do. Whether it was my dogs at home, the orphaned wildlife I helped to rehabilitate, or the animals in my care at work, I never stopped being amazed by how people can build relationships with the furry, feathery, and scaly creatures around us.
BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT & ANIMAL TRAINER
After graduating with my Zoology degree from Ohio Wesleyan, I went on to gain 17 years of on-the-job experience with using positive reinforcement-based behavior management in addition to achieving certificates from leading educators including Dr. Susan Fridman's Living and Learning with Animals course and the Natural Encounters Inc. training workshop.
For me, animal training gives us the incredible opportunity to communicate with animals and to help give them information to be successful. I love teaching people of all skill levels and ages how to use positive reinforcement to communicate with their furry family members.
I can’t wait to connect with you and your pets so we can start our learning journey together - it’s all hands (and paws) on deck!
Jen Dew
My journey began with a childhood love for dogs and has grown into a career dedicated to training and caring for animals. I’ve gained over 15 years of experience in the world of zoology, animal care, and training, all while learning from experts in behavioral science. Along my journey I’ve had the pleasure of shaping behaviors and forming unforgettable bonds with over a hundred incredible, individual creatures.
BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT & ANIMAL TRAINER
Some of my proudest training accomplishments include secretly training a macaw to prank a colleague during a live show by flying across an audience with a troll doll in tow to hand to her—pure shenanigans! And who could forget the challenge of teaching MACKY the kookaburra to perform flawlessly on David Letterman's national stage, introducing Dave and all viewers to how amazing and loud Kookaburras are. What a thrill!
I've also spent over a decade teaching people the art of positive reinforcement training. During my career, I’ve shared insights at the 2023 Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) conference (where trainers gather from around the globe), connected zoo guests with up close animal encounters in an innovative tour space, and guided people in honing their animal communication skills.
I've seen firsthand the transformative power of understanding and connecting with our animal companions, and I am beyond excited to bring my knowledge and skills to the community to help pet guardians achieve their behavioral goals!
Join me on this journey where every wagging tail and triumphant call is a testament to the joy and wonder of applying the art and science of positive reinforcement to our closest animal friends.
Enjoy bonding with your pet as you learn together
Your needs are just as important as your pet’s needs. Based in Columbus, OH and Colorado Springs, CO with virtual coaching world wide, we will build a personalized strategy that benefits everyone